One group of local high schoolers is in the midst of preparing to make a difference this spring.
The Thomas County Central High School chapter of the Chick-fil-A Leader Academy, led by Service Learning Coordinator Lt. Col. Stann McLeod, gives students the chance both to learn and to lead. Each year, the academy organizes an impact project designed to benefit the community. This year’s project, titled Military & First Responder Dodgeball Tournament, will be held Saturday, April 14, at the TCCHS gymnasium.
The project aims to support those who McLeod says demonstrated service before self. Teams will be comprised of members from each branch of the armed forces, as well as Thomasville/Thomas County’s first responders including the police department, sheriff's office, fire department, fire rescue and emergency management services.
“This project will also hopefully impact other students and the community by demonstrating how effective leadership and teamwork can make a difference,” McLeod said.
Senior mentor and logistics chairman Drew Lloyd has been diligently working to reach out to other organizations in the community to involve them in the service project.
“I hope that this event is just a day to thank and show respect to those that have and continue to risk their lives for us,” Lloyd said. “I also hope it brings more awareness to the numerous veterans’ organizations and encourages people to give back.”
One such organization, Honor Flight Tallahassee program, will receive the tournament’s proceeds. McLeod sees this organization as “unwavering in their quest to ensure each veteran has the chance to tour the memorials built in our nation's capital in appreciation of their service.”
Every $500 raised goes to sponsor an all-expenses paid trip to Washington D.C. for a World War II, Korean War, or Viet?n?am veteran. Honorees have the opportunity to visit various war and service memorials and experience the nation’s recognition of their service and history they helped write.
Local World War II veteran Logan Lewis was a recipient of such a trip.
“This experience brought back lots of memories of my time of service during World War II and allowed me to see some monuments I never would have got to see otherwise,” Lewis said.
Kennedy Ward, another senior mentor and head of advertising, comes from a military family herself and knows the significance of recognizing the nation’s troops, first responders and veterans. But she also wants the event to be a sign of thanks to the greater community.
“It is important that we create connections with our community and know that Central cares for our city,” Ward says. “We want the community to know that we appreciate how much they pour into us for our education, extracurricular activities, and all the other many aspects they are a part of. We want our fellow students to leave here with a servant heart.”
McLeod describes the Chick-fil-A Leader Academy as focused on “impact through action.”
“The program teaches students leadership skills and then has them apply the acquired skills throughout the school year as they put them into action,” he said. “The curriculum clearly demonstrates to our students how to become better citizens of character, dedicated to serving their community and nation.”
Lloyd has experienced firsthand the benefits of the academy’s mission.
“Being involved in Chick-fil-A Leader Academy has gotten me out of my comfort zone and pushed me to take on leadership roles that I previously would have shied away from,” she said. “I feel I am a more confident leader and will look to use these skills as I get involved with different organizations in college.”
There is still time to assist or take part in this impact project. Volunteers are still needed, and interested persons may contact Lt. Col. Stann McLeod at smcleod@tcjackets.net or call (229) 225-5050 ext. 114. Public and service organizations interested in helping sell tickets or in buying tickets for their members may also contact McLeod.
The tournament will be held 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on April 14. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for students, and free for children age three and under.
For more information about Honor Flight Tallahassee, visit the website honorflighttallahassee.org.